Experienced midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen is Aberdeen’s fourth signing of the summer.

The 32-year-old, who was the captain of Eliteserien side SK Brann, has joined on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance.

Heltne Nilsen is once again reunited with boss Jimmy Thelin, who he previously worked under at Elfsborg for two years.

“Sivert is a leader who brings with him a real will to win”, said Dons manager Jimmy.

“Having worked with him previously I know he will set standards, both on and off the pitch, and his experience will help some of our emerging talent in the squad.

“There was a strong desire from Sivert to come to Aberdeen and experience Scottish football.”

Sivert started his career with OBOS-ligaen team IL Hødd and, as a teenager, established himself as a regular in the side.

The crowning moment came when he was part of the team that defied all odds to win the 2012 Norwegian Cup, beating Tromso in the final, the first second-tier side to win the Norwegian Cup in 15 years.

His performances in Ulstein attracted Vålerenga and he joined the club in 2014, spending one year at Vålerenga Stadion before moving to his hometown club SK Brann. He had three successful years in Bergen, helping the team to promotion in his first season and consistent performances in the topflight thereafter.

Danish side AC Horsens bought him from Brann, putting him on a five-year contract, making him club captain. However, he was only there for one season before Jimmy Thelin paid to take him to Elfsborg and once again made him captain at the Borås Arena.

Sivert excelled at Elfsborg, leading the team to finish runners-up in the 2020 Allsvenskan, Di Gule’s highest league placing in eight years. There was a potential of a return to Norway, but Elfsborg accepted a significant offer from Belgian club S.K. Beveren, but he would soon be back home in Brann, where he has skippered the team since 2021.

His career now turns to the UK and the Dons, and a reunion with his former manager.
Commenting on his move to the North-east, Sivert said: “It is a really good feeling to be an Aberdeen player.

“There are many reasons for coming here. It is an opportunity to play football at a very high level for a number of years and be part of a project with Jimmy, someone I know well.

“I believe he got the best out of me and I want to learn more from him and I want to be part of this project.

“I know the supporters in Aberdeen are amazing and the city is a football city. I have been following the club on social media and learning about the history. This is something I want to fight for and I will give everything to make Aberdeen a winning team.”